Oliver FitzWilliam, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell facts for kids

Oliver FitzWilliam, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell and 2nd Viscount FitzWilliam (died 11 April 1667), was an important Irish nobleman. He was known for his military skills and his role during a very difficult time in Irish and English history. He became the 2nd Viscount FitzWilliam and later the 1st Earl of Tyrconnell.

Oliver was the son of The 1st Viscount FitzWilliam. His mother was Margaret Plunkett. Since he was a younger son, he didn't expect to inherit his family's titles or lands. Like many young men in his situation, he studied law. After that, he decided to become a soldier. With help from The 1st Duke of Ormond, he became a Colonel in the French Army. He showed great courage and skill in battle. When his older brother Richard died, Oliver became the next in line to inherit the family title.

Oliver FitzWilliam and the Civil War

Oliver FitzWilliam was a Catholic and a supporter of the King, known as a Royalist. Queen Henrietta Maria trusted him greatly. She even told King Charles I that Oliver deserved "every encouragement."

Fighting for the King

In 1645, Oliver tried to get the Confederation of Kilkenny to help King Charles I. This was during the English Civil War. He believed that if they helped the King, Roman Catholics would get their full rights back. Oliver fought with the Confederates against the Parliamentarians in 1645 and 1646. He successfully led an attack on Roscommon Castle in 1646. He also served under his cousin, Thomas Preston, 1st Viscount Tara. In 1649, he was briefly put in prison in London but was soon set free. He became the 2nd Viscount FitzWilliam in 1650.

Life During Cromwell's Rule

After some time in France, Lord FitzWilliam was allowed to return to England. This happened because his brother-in-law, The 2nd Earl of Clare, asked for his return. It is said that Oliver Cromwell, who ruled England at the time, admired Oliver FitzWilliam. He was also on good terms with Cromwell's son, Henry Cromwell. However, Henry would not let him get back his main home, Merrion Castle.

During this period, Oliver FitzWilliam seemed to play a careful game. His marriage into the Holles family connected him to the Parliamentarian side. This helped him keep much of his property, except for Merrion Castle. But he was also thought to be secretly working to bring King Charles II back to power.

The King Returns to Power

When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, Lord FitzWilliam was highly favored at Court. In 1661, he was given the new title of Earl of Tyrconnell.

Getting His Lands Back

Even though he was popular with the King, it was hard for Oliver to get his lands back in Ireland. He had a lot of trouble getting back his Merrion estates. The King himself asked for his lands to be returned. But it wasn't until 1663 that he got all his properties back.

He also faced a legal challenge. The Irish Parliament declared him "not innocent" under a law called the Act of Settlement 1662. This law was about returning lands to Catholics who had not fought against the King. Eventually, the Privy Council of Ireland, following the King's wishes, gave him a full pardon. This meant he was forgiven for any actions during Cromwell's time. Lord Tyrconnell spent his last years fixing up Merrion Castle.

His Final Years

Oliver FitzWilliam died at Merrion Castle on 11 April 1667. He was buried the next day in the Fitzwilliam Chapel in Donnybrook church. His wife, Eleanor, moved back to England and passed away in 1681.

Family Life

Oliver FitzWilliam was married three times. His first wife was Dorothy Brereton. His second wife was a Miss Penruddock. His third wife was Lady Eleanore Holles, daughter of The 1st Earl of Clare.

He did not have any children from any of his marriages. When he died, the title of Earl of Tyrconnell ended. The title of Viscount FitzWilliam then passed to his brother, William.